I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe new years!

Well they made it this far. I'm still after my last mock betting on an early exit in the playoffs especially after watching the play calling and execution against the Bills. The offensive line is ok against crappy teams but against good defenses it gets exposed. A competent OC would do more to adjust for this but Patullo doesn't and his schemes are pathetic, seeing three receivers being within 5 yards of each other still by week 17 against the Bills is ridiculous and JV. Then to follow it up with a real play calling gem having your back-up QB throw forty times passing to back-ups all while Bigsby balling! Wow! I'm still on board with getting rid of this clown and bringing someone fresh in and I stand by last recommendation in Gruden and there's nothing more to add there. Just get em!

Howie has his work cut out for himself this year has shown some glaring weakness most notably overall team depth is bad. They had to bring back F. Johnson and Pryor for the o-line because they just haven't hit on late picks, they've also tried multiple people at corner. Jackson finally has looked ok but Ringo, and Bennett are completely lost making several game costing mistakes along with stupid PI's. Outside corner needs to be totally revamped outside of Mitchell. The last weakness badly exposed was both WR and TE, once Smitty left early what the Eagles put out their was complete garbage, the team has far too much invested in WR for the unit overall to be so inept.

Retirement:

Brandon Graham DE - The legend really does hang them up this time with hopefully only returning as a future assistant.

Re-signings:

Jaelan Phillips Edge - It's been clear as day the difference the defense has looked since his arrival he's certainly someone that should be allowed to walk out the door, especially after giving up a 3rd for. 4 years 84 million

Reed Blakenship S - He's the leader of the secondary with a high football IQ, however he is athletically limited. I can't see them moving on without a solid alternative that currently isn't on the team. 2 years 10 million

Brandon Mann P - He's improved year over year in distance, hang-time, accuracy and consistency and is due a decent deal. 2 years 5 million

Kyle Granson TE - He's used everywhere and is the best blocking TE on the team. 1 year 2 million

Cut/Let-go:

Nakobe Dean ILB - The hall monitor gets his chance to start somewhere and doesn't have to keep looking over his shoulder. He gets a much better deal than what we all expect. 4th round comp pick

Dallas Goedert TE - He's been a beast in the red-zone this year but he's averaging less then 10 yards per reception and his blocking has fallen off a cliff. 5th round comp pick

Jahan Dotson WR - A poor man's Smitty who flashes once and awhile but runs poor routes and isn't a vertical threat. 6th round comp pick

Josh Uche Edge - 7th round comp pick

Azeez Ojulari Edge- 7th round comp pick

Trades! Howie time!! Cleveland is a tough spot they have draft picks but aren't in position with them to acquire a QB and with a top defense in place they decide to go all in. They offer #28, #39, #70 and a 2027 4th for Tanner McKee and A.J. Brown. The Browns, Eagles and Brown agree to redo his contract to facilitate the deal and Eagles suffer only a minimum dead cap hit.

Free Agency:

Kyle Pitts TE - In Gruden's offense TE's have a greater importance arguably greater than WR and I don't see Goedert and his declining skills returning. Kyle is an elite talent that would explode in Jon's system with a 6'6 250 lbs frame with blazing 4.4 speed, he would be monster home-run threat that will open up the middle for everyone. An improving blocker that's a part of his game that he'll never be great at, but after seeing how bad Goedert's blocking has become Kyle should be an upgrade. 3 years 42 million

Coby Bryant CB - The second biggest mistake that Howie made this year is the revolving door at CB2, now Jackson as of late has looked much better but he's a FA and older and after seeing the jokes behind him the need for a long term answer is apparent. Coby 26 has the size, speed and coverage skills Fangio covets, his 7 interceptions over the last two years is something the secondary has lacked from its outside corners, plus it would keep DeJean where he is most dangerous at NB. 3 years 38 million.

Trevor Penning OT - A former top 20 pick who's given another chance with a real line coach to see if he can win swing tackle. 1 year deal

Treylon Burks WR - The Eagles have decide to move on from Brown and Dotson and I'm betting they would like to have an upgrade for Wilson and Cooper. Howie loves cheap alternatives with high pedigrees. 1 year deal

Alijah Vera-Tucker OG - Yet another reclamation project former first round pick he's here to compete and provide real depth. 1 year deal

Kenny Pickett QB - Known commodity who by now has accepted his role in the NFL. 1 year deal

Draft:

#22 Kadyn Proctor OT - O-line was signal handily the biggest shock as they were a shell of their 2024 campaign, Lane is getting long in the tooth but has one more good season left IMO, and depth is sparse. Kadyn is a monster of a lineman at 6'7 365 lbs. with tremendous strength and power easily capable of just tossing men around. A road grader in the run game and a mauler in the pass he has the nimble feet and athleticism to clear paths straight trough the second level, he's nasty and enjoys being so. Plug him in at RG year one and he will be a force and may be a spot he dominates with multiple pro-bowls, but I see him replacing Lane by 2027.

#28 Denzel Boston WR - A.J. will leave some tough shoes to fill and Howie is looking for the next best thing someone who can dominate in short and intermediate routes physically. Denzel is an alpha dog x-receiver who would compliment Smitty's game being a big 6'4 210 lbs. receiver who wins 73% of contested catches while sporting a 1.8% drop rate and with the ball he's someone an arm tackle will fail to bring down. Not much of a vertical threat but he doesn't need to be he dominates on intermediate routes between 15-25 yards, and with his strength he's hard to jam off the line. His willingness to block and ability to sustain them is also impressive.

#39 LT Overton DT/DE - Fangio loves to rotate his front seven and a harsh reality comes in 2027 when Carter, Davis and Ojomo all become free agents. LT is someone Vic would be pounding the table for this 6'5 285 lbs with freakish change of pace and closing speed to disrupt backfields all day, plus he is a dominate run defender. Always shows a non-stop motor he puts everything on the line never giving up even on backside pursuit he is a force to be reckoned with, plus he's taken on a leadership role and is highly respected.

#54 Dillon Thieneman S - Epps has been serviceable in place of Makuba but the he's a FA and I'm not ok with Brown starting if Andrew isn't ready to start the season. Dillon has all the tools that DC's covet along with exceptional football IQ he will be an immediate impact player who's coverage skills and versatility is sorely needed. Reed is known for his leadership and Dillon has that plus the athletic ability that's worth the Eagles using a 2nd on safety two years in a row. He would instantly upgrade the third safety spot and could even dislodge Reed from his starting spot.

#67 Connor Lew OC - The single biggest mistake that Howie IMO made this off-season was to trust that two critical players on the interior of the o-line would be truly ready by the start of the season, while also starting someone new at RG. Jurgens has been a complete liability in the pass blocking while being destroyed often run blocking, I don't know if this permanent or not but they must be prepared. Connor is a bit undersized but where he lacks in size he makes up and then some in sky high football intelligence and outstanding athletic ability. If the team was sold on Kendall he would've been playing instead they used Toth which to me is a red flag.

Trade! The Jags need a guard desperately after seeing a run on lineman and offer #92, #100, & #157 for #70

#86 Omar Cooper Jr. WR - Smitty and Boston would form a very strong duo, but the offense needs WR3 that can be a threat vertically. Omar brings the size with speed to give the offense a real vertical threat from the slot position, he explodes off the line forcing safeties to respect his field stretching ability. A serious YAC receiver he will have a defender all over him somehow snag a high pass break away from the original defender and crash through two more and then drag them 4-5 more yards, he'll feast in RPO's

#92 Malik Muhammad CB - The secondary is literally one player away from making it the strongest in the league. Malik would be a great addition in Fangio's system displaying excellent zone coverage awareness, while also being equally good in man. His fluidity and versatility will only improve the secondary depth overall especially since he knows how to turn his head around to locate a pass and not get a penalty. A great communicator he constantly is putting guys in the right place teaching them up, a natural leader. Brings an added benefit of being a monster on special teams.

#98 Dani Dennis-Sutton SLB - The key to how Vic deploys his front depends on the talent available to him and he's got a lot however he needs depth especially someone able to set the edge. Dani has an impressive size/speed profile boasting 4.6 speed on a 6'5 265 lbs frame. Power with versatility is his game operating out of either 2 or 3-point stance and can be used immediately in sub-packages.

#100 Zachariah Branch WR - Hurts got a WR earlier that can attack vertically from the slot can, now he gets someone who can attack the field vertically from anywhere. Zachariah isn't just a lighting quick, savvy route runner with sure hands, but he's also a dynamic returner more than capable of being a game changer. No matter where he's lined up on the field defenses will have to account for him.

Trade! Howie pulls the trigger for someone that should've gone in the 3rd he offers #125 & #137 to Denver for #108

#108 Cade Klubnik QB - Sooner or later Howie will go get a QB to continue feeding his factory and if he secures a high pick for McKee than who am I to say otherwise. Cade was a five star recruit and highly desired by multiple programs, he just never lived up to expectations, but the talent is clearly there.

#157 Oscar Delp TE - With the top two set at TE and with the league showing more two and three sets the need to challenge Calcaterra for the #3 is important. Oscar has the prototypical physique OC's covet and just like anyone who comes from the Georgia program his stats don't reflect his true potential.

#168 Nick Singleton RB - IMO it is imperative that if the Eagles wish to impose their will running then they better get some more options moving forward. Nick is power-back that hasn't quite been asked to show it, instead be asked to be involved more as a receiver which he is far better then anyone currently on the roster.

#231 Drew Stevens K - Elliott has been in clear decline the last two seasons and while he still has his clutch moments it time for some competition. Drew has been so reliable so clutch hitting from all over the field in varying condidtions and he just doesn't miss.

#240 Max Bredeson FB/TE - Yes that's right a FB, Gruden does have a role for them in his scheme and even Sirriani been trying to insert one now for years. Max is a beast he constantly blows up rushers creating holes for RB's and giving time for QB's, he is a weapon too both in receiving and and rushing.

Depth Chart:

QB: Hurts, Pickett, Klubnik

FB Bredeson

RB: Barkley, Bigsby, Singleton, Shipley

TE: Pitts, Delp, Granson

WR: Smith, Boston, Cooper Jr. Burks, Branch, Wilson

LT: Mailata, Penning

LG: Dickerson, Vera-Tucker

OC: Jurgens, Lew

RG: Proctor, Steen

RT: Johnson, Williams

LDE: Carter, Young

NT: Davis, Robinson

RDE: Ojomo, Overton

WLB: Smith, Hunt

ILB: Baun, Campbell, Trotter Jr., Mondon Jr.

SLB: Phillips, Dennis-Sutton

LCB: Mitchell, McWilliams, Bennett

FS: Makuba, Brown

SS: Blakenship, Thieneman

RCB: Bryant, Muhammad, Ringo

NB: DeJean, Carter II

K: Stevens

P: Mann

PR/KR: Branch

Breakdown:

Offense - It will be quite a blow to the offense losing a true #1 WR in Brown but this offense is going to be built in Gruden's image. Tight ends are gonna be featured more and will look completely new, Pitts comes in as the new center point for the offense replacing Goedert. Jon uses his RB's to set up the pass they need to be able to power through tacklers, be reliable blockers, but also true weapons receiving out of the backfield which Barkley and Bigsby are, Singleton comes in with tremendous upside. Bredeson is brought in to improve blocking and to add another wrinkle to the offense. The receivers also get a complete remake and will be asked to create separation using precise routes stacking multiple options providing quick intermediate strike potential, and Smith will be the leader and tone setter of this new group. The o-line gets a massive influx of young talent that's well overdue because I don't want to see defenders is the backfield multiple times a game before the RB even gets the ball again. Losing Lane and having Landon and Cam clearly nowhere near 100% with zero options behind them should never again be repeated. Now the big fish Jalen, a lot of the issues on offense rests on his shoulders and I understand that he plays not to lose, I get that but that doesn't mean to become completely inept once a lead is established he's going to have learn to trust, winning sometimes means taking risks. Finally I want the new OC to create an offense that doesn't fall apart if Jalen doesn't get designed run plays that is ridiculous in upon itself and proves to me that most of the problems stems from coaching.

Defense - This defense is a CB2 away from being a truly dominate unit, however they desperately need some depth upgrades. The d-line was clearly impacted by Carter being injured but they got saved with the emergence of Davis and Ojomo and now healthy that trio is dominating go figure. Overton, Young and Robinson will provide a formidable rotation and gives the potential for some many different looks. Line backers while the loss of Dean will hurt, but I see Campbell stepping up with another year becoming under is belt and becoming a true force, and with Baun forming a top tandem inside. On the outside Phillips and Hunt have started taking over games entirely and when Smith is healthy gives Fangio a deadly trio at edge. The secondary will be the funnest to watch with Mitchell holding down one half and a solid CB2 holding down the other half of the field, and DeJean roaming around like a barracuda heat seeking to the ball. Makuba with Blakenship round out a strong interior force with Andrew being the deep center fielder and Reed being closer to the line being a solid tackler. The difference this defense is from 2025 to 2026 will be cohesion with only one new starter, and depth with young dogs being hungry and pushing to start at every level all with strong leadership qualities which I see as a must. Regardless of what happens they enter the new season as a proven top unit.

Special Teams - IMO has been nothing short of a disaster when comes to coverage and creating holes for returners to exploit. Coaching probably is the issue but I also peg it as a lack of talent being used with most seemingly being some 2nd mainly 3rd stringers and they stink and are boneheads. Ringo alone has had multiple WTF moments. Infusing the team with multiple draft selections with high level talent will naturally push better quality players onto special teams. Covey to his credit has come back and been pretty good but he's a FA, nobody wants to see Bigsby ever return again. Branch is a play-maker he's someone that is a real threat to not only give the offense better field position, but to break one off for a score. Mann comes back and expect him to just keep getting better. Elliott though I feel needs to be replaced and I'm really excited about Stevens he's got the clutch strain. The only time special teams shine is when either Carter or Davis is involved and more is needed from others.

On a side note I would enjoy seeing someone rise up to be the next vocal leader like Dawkins was someone that can get not only the defense or team fired up but also the fans. I for one miss the energy Dawkins brought, Cooper has that potential but we'll see.

Lots of information a great read! I’ll pick it apart slowly.

First I think Pitts is a great addition.. I wanted us to try and trade for him last offseason. Sadly I think after a very good season we might not be able to get him. I think he made some money for himself this season so much so that there is a chance that Atlanta might even franchise him! Guess that depends somewhat on their new coach I think they were stupid for firing Moris. Last I looked a few weeks ago I think Pitts had 80 catches this season and isn’t even 26 yet.. if they are letting that go I’m trying to buy.

3 hours ago, Cheesteakitis said:

Lots of information a great read! I’ll pick it apart slowly.

First I think Pitts is a great addition.. I wanted us to try and trade for him last offseason. Sadly I think after a very good season we might not be able to get him. I think he made some money for himself this season so much so that there is a chance that Atlanta might even franchise him! Guess that depends somewhat on their new coach I think they were stupid for firing Moris. Last I looked a few weeks ago I think Pitts had 80 catches this season and isn’t even 26 yet.. if they are letting that go I’m trying to buy.

So you're saying there's a chance??

He's not re-signed yet and the team is going to go through some major change and I'm leaning towards they'll have too many things to deal with and the team has treated him luke warmly the last few years. Plus I'm banking on if they don't use the franchise tag Kyle not wanting to stick around for another coaching change and continuing dis-function. If he were become available I would throw everything I could to get him.

1 hour ago, Slade said:

So you're there's a chance??

He's not re-signed yet and the team is going to go through some major change and I'm leaning towards they'll have too many things to deal with and the team has treated him luke warmly the last few years. Plus I'm banking on if they don't use the franchise tag Kyle not wanting to stick around for another coaching change and continuing dis-function. If he were become available I would throw everything I could to get him.

Always a chance I mean they have been luke warm on him maybe they try and tag and trade him.. I don’t know what for picks they have but I think they only have 1 decent wr maybe they are interested in trading Pitts and picks for AJ Brown

You have a lot packed in here. I always appreciate it where there's plenty of thought (here's the but) even when I disagree.

First, I think you are ;exactly rith on the re-signings andf the players we can't bring back.

Second - the comp picks are way off. Maybe a 4 for Nakobe and a 4 or 5 for Goedert, but we'll get absolutely nothing for dotson (10 catches) or Ojulari. At best we might get a 7 for Uche.

Third - after McKee's performance against the Commanders hopes of meaningful trade compensatoin have evaporated.

Fourth - the Eagles have $17 million in cap space after signing their draft class. They'lll be fortunate if Howie can pull off 3 servicable free agents. That's not to say i disagree with the positions you target - I don't There's just not enough money for your proposal.

Fifth - the draft. My point 3 throws a monkey wrench in your class, but thsat's ok. It's really the goodm, the bad, and the ugly. Try replaceing it with our 1 for a 2 and 3 and see what you come up with.

Good - Proctor, Boston, Theinamen. All poisitions of need, but without your blockbuster trade we only get 2 of them

More good - Cooper, Dennis-Sutton, Delp, and Singleton (so we have a closet Nittany Lions fan here huh)

Bad - 3 wide receivers is out of the question

Ugly - a fullback, really? Plus Howie is going to be trading all day.

Great read - thanks.

3 hours ago, Rob331 said:

You have a lot packed in here. I always appreciate it where there's plenty of thought (here's the but) even when I disagree.

First, I think you are ;exactly rith on the re-signings andf the players we can't bring back. What??? I'll give you a mulligan!

Second - the comp picks are way off. Maybe a 4 for Nakobe and a 4 or 5 for Goedert, but we'll get absolutely nothing for dotson (10 catches) or Ojulari. At best we might get a 7 for Uche. Umm way off?? You literally put the same exact values I gave for Dean and Goedert, Dotson will get a 4-5 million which falls in the range of a 6th Uche like I said a 7th so again where am I way off exactly?

Third - after McKee's performance against the Commanders hopes of meaningful trade compensatoin have evaporated. One bad game with horrid play calling won't tank his value in fact I get nearly the same value (#39 & a 2027 4th) that your last mock (2nd & 5th) had. The rest of the trade is for Brown which is nearly the same value(#28, & #70) then what we traded for him originally(#18, & #101). Plus I justify the trade with Cleveland since they have the picks and don't overpay they get all-pro WR and QB by most accounts is up and coming. Win/win

Fourth - the Eagles have $17 million in cap space after signing their draft class. They'lll be fortunate if Howie can pull off 3 servicable free agents. That's not to say i disagree with the positions you target - I don't There's just not enough money for your proposal. According to over the cap they'll have 20m from 2025 to roll over into 2026 which is already 20m 20 + 20 = 40. Figure with the amount of picks they'll need about 11-12 million to sign them. That'll leave plenty to work with, plus Howie never front loads a deal he uses void years so a four year deal is really a 6 year deal with 2 void years and a large signing bonus. In Phillips case the first year impact on the cap would be around 10-12 million max.

Fifth - the draft. My point 3 throws a monkey wrench in your class, but thsat's ok. It's really the goodm, the bad, and the ugly. Try replaceing it with our 1 for a 2 and 3 and see what you come up with. Actually it doesn't since the value and justification is there, but go ahead and knock yourself out trying lol.

Good - Proctor, Boston, Theinamen. All poisitions of need, but without your blockbuster trade we only get 2 of them We get all of them!! :)

More good - Cooper, Dennis-Sutton, Delp, and Singleton (so we have a closet Nittany Lions fan here huh) I like the Lions but I see that talent they also bring

Bad - 3 wide receivers is out of the question There absolutely is a chance and a good one!! Howie will be looking to spread out the cap more evenly so if he won't pay Dotson I doubt he's pay any other FA WR and there's no way in hell he goes into the season with Wilson and Cooper potentially filling slot, #4, & #5 receivers. In my scenario depth would be at receiver (Z)Smith, D. Cooper (X) Boston, Burks (Y) O. Cooper Jr., Branch. Branch's ability to be weapon in the return game beats out Wilson who is a blocking option only who hasn't shown to be reliable actually catching the ball!

Ugly - a fullback, really? Plus Howie is going to be trading all day. Yes a FB with very little investment involved and again our HC keeps trying to employ one, and Gruden certainly would.

Great read - thanks. You're welcome!

We'll see my friend. The only one that is fact and not opinion is the cap space - overthecap has the Birds at $14,294,000 in effective cap space. Total space is $20,139,000 but effective cap space is defined as total minus expected draft pick signings.

PS - why do I need a mulligan on the one thing I completely agreed with you.

On 1/9/2026 at 11:17 AM, Rob331 said:

PS - why do I need a mulligan on the one thing I completely agreed with you.

For some reason I misread on the first go around. Being exhausted and testy lately doesn't help most either lol. Anyways sorry.

If Howie and A.J. can agree to re-structure his contract like the Falcons and Cousins did then that would create significant cap space for 2026. Something in the range of 20-25 million possibly? In my next mock I plan on this type of deal happening.

3 hours ago, Slade said:

If Howie and A.J. can agree to re-structure his contract like the Falcons and Cousins did then that would create significant cap space for 2026. Something in the range of 20-25 million possibly? In my next mock I plan on this type of deal happening.

I wish you were right but, overthecap.com makes that look very difficult.

Check the details of his current contract - he's already got void years from previous bonusus through 2034. Not a lot of room to wiggle.

If you haven't used the site - click cap space, then click Eagles, then click the player whose contract you want to look into.

36 minutes ago, Rob331 said:

I wish you were right but, overthecap.com makes that look very difficult.

Check the details of his current contract - he's already got void years from previous bonusus through 2034. Not a lot of room to wiggle.

If you haven't used the site - click cap space, then click Eagles, then click the player whose contract you want to look into.

There is a way he can restructure I’m sure or if on overthecap you switch to trade after June 1st is shows a cap savings of 7 something million.

Would it be best to keep him another year probably but.. search up some of Jason Avant’s latest breakdowns Brown did not do a lot of the little things this year for one reason or another and that needs to be figured out and if it doesn’t change peace out!

4 hours ago, Rob331 said:

I wish you were right but, overthecap.com makes that look very difficult.

Check the details of his current contract - he's already got void years from previous bonusus through 2034. Not a lot of room to wiggle.

If you haven't used the site - click cap space, then click Eagles, then click the player whose contract you want to look into.

I have looked at overthecap.com and quoted that many times. Then I looked up Cousins restructured deal which Atlanta was on the hook for was worse then what we are. If anyone can pull off this type of re-structure its Howie. The numbers may be different but if they do a near similar deal the savings should be significant.